Godot Syndrome in an Elderly Patient with Pseudodementia

Godot syndrome [1] is a phenomenon in which a person has anxiety toward an upcoming event and repeatedly asks about it. This syndrome is categorized as a variant of anxiety and a psychological symptom of dementia [2]. The anxiety symptom in demented patients is considered as resulting from decreased cognitive (specifi cally memory) abilities, the inability to channel remaining thinking capacities productively [2], and a manifestation of stress in predisposed patients who are aware of their cognitive decline [3]. Godot syndrome is relatively rare (1.6% 4.6%) in Alzheimer`s disease [4]. But it can become so persistent as to cause a major burden for the patient’s family and caregivers. Objective: Godot syndrome is categorized as a variant of anxiety and a psychological symptom of dementia. We present a case of Godot syndrome in an elderly patient with pseudo-dementia. The patient’s Godot syndrome and dementialike symptoms were improved progressively after receiving treatment with an antidepressant. Case report: A 70-year-old widow presented with Godot syndrome and dementia-like symptoms after her husband’s death. She became extremely dependent on others and caused a severe burden for her caregiver. Her symptoms started to subside after three months of medication treatment and she recovered her normal functioning to the premorbid level. Conclusion: If the fi rst appearance of Godot syndrome and memory complaints occur in a patient’s late life, pseudodementia should be included in the differential diagnosis. The use of an adequate course of an antidepressant treatment is included in the initial work up for any patient who is suspected to have dementia. The timely diagnosis and the right treatment fully improved the patient’s symptoms. Godot Syndrome in an Elderly Patient with Pseudodementia